Barnsley: Etuhu tells Reds to stay grounded

BARNSLEY midfielder Kelvin Etuhu believes the club have every chance of avoiding relegation if they stay grounded.

Fine back-to-back wins over Brighton and then Watford at the weekend sees the Reds sitting two points above the drop-zone with nine games remaining.

And former Manchester City playmaker Etuhu remains quietly confident that Championship security will be obtained if the resurgent Reds can remain fully focused on their own strengths.

“Everybody’s confident we can stay up,” revealed Etuhu. “But we just keep working hard every day and are seeing where that takes us.

“We don’t get too big for our boots just because we’ve got a couple of good results.

“We’re sticking hard to our objectives and not taking things easy.

“We’ve just got to keep going and concentrate on our league form now.”

Bobby Hassell’s 35th minute header sunk the Hornets at Oakwell, with Etuhu having starred in an advanced attacking role which caused the visitors all manner of problems.

“It was a brilliant team performance,” added Etuhu. “The lads give 100 per cent every game and we knew that we had to be at the races because Watford are a very good. It was a very special performance from all the 11 players.

“We’ve had two good wins against two top sides, which is great especially after the Man City game [which the Reds lost 5-0].

“After the City game all the lads were feeling a bit down and sorry for themselves, but it’s been great the way we’ve responded since.

“But the manager keeps the confidence going in the squad – and we need that.”

And Etuhu was pleased with his own performance, one which he rated as his “best” of the season.

“Wherever the manager plays me I’ll give 110 per cent,” said Etuhu. “But I prefer playing in the middle of the park and that’s where I think I’ve given the team my best shifts this season.

“I had a lot of energy and that’s probably my best performance of the season.

“Every game I try and give all my energy, but that was my most favourite performance of the season.”